Indirik Family/Brance/A Visit from the Prophet

Roleplay from Mathurin Hossenfeffer

Message sent to everyone in the region Libidizedd

The young priest was still preparing for the morning service when the doors of the temple opned and a hooded, dust-stained traveller entered. "We are not yet ready," he called out to the man. The stranger ingored him, and strode forward to the altar. The priest considered calling for guards, but something authoritative in the others manner made him pause. The stranger laid his hand upon the altar for a moment or two, then gazed up towards the stars. "We are..." the priest started. The other turned to look at him. He tooked down his hood, to reveal a thin, gaunt face with piercing eyes. "Please send word to Lord Indirik. Tell him that Mathurin has come to visit, I'm sure he'll want to see me. And in the meantime, I require somewhere I can wash off the grime of the road." "Y-y-y-yes, Holy Prophet!" the priest stammered, in no doubt as to who the visitor was. "Y-you're m-most welcome here, Holy P-Prophet." "Well, we'll see about that, won't we?"

Mathurin Hossenfeffer (Marquess of Caiyun)

Roleplay from Brance Indirik

Message sent to everyone in the region Libidizedd

Brance's arm was tired. It wasn't just that he had been holding his arm up for so long. That wouldn't have been anything special. Anyone who trained with the sword could have done so for much longer without difficulty. No, it wasn't that at all. It was the bird perched on his arm that was the problem. The sea eagle was a large bird. Quite a bit larger than the hawks had grown up with, or those he had worked with in Linhai. They seemed to grow them quite large on the island. That made sense. It would take a big bird to dive into the surf and bring forth a fish that was worth catching. Brance had been working with this particular sea eagle for several weeks now. At the suggestion of the master falconer he had been spending time with the bird to help get it used to his scent and his mannerisms. So at least twice a day he went to the aviary and brought out the sea eagle. He would put the bird on his arm and talk to it, occasionally stroking the bird's feathers. Soon he and the master falconer would begin to take the bird on a few test flights to get it used to his commands. Then in a few months maybe it would be ready for a real flight from the shores. That would be the real test. Would it hunt for him? Would it come back of it's own accord and surrender it's prey? The falconer had named the bird Kingfisher. Brance was of the opinion that Kingfisher was a silly name for a sea eagle. The Kingfisher was a tiny little bird, not such a magnificent creature as this eagle. Maybe Sea Diver? No, that was almost as bad as Kingfisher. Well, he had some time yet to come up with an appropriate name. Brance was speaking softly to the eagle and stroking the wing when the door to the aviary opened to admit a young page. Brance continued to talk to the eagle without pause, hoping the sound of his voice would reassure it. He didn't mind the page's interruption. The boy was only doing his job, and besides, the eagle needed to be able to handle minor distractions without getting upset. The page was a good one, too. He didn't say a word, or make any sudden movements. He just stood inside the door and waited to be addressed. Brance continued working with the eagle a few more minutes before returning it to the cage. The eagle was used to this routine by now, and made no fuss as Brance did so. Having finished that, he turned and look at the page. "And what may I do for you, young Sir?" The page flushed, embarrassed at the Duke's gentle jesting. Still, he managed to stammer out his message. "Your grace, word has come from the Temple that His Holiness, Prophet Hossenfeffer, has arrived at the Temple!" The news surprised the Duke. His recent correspondence ran through his mind, and found no mention at all of a visit from the His Holiness. Indeed, no messages from him at all so far as he could recall. Well, that one about Magna Eccless... something-something-something, or whatever it was called. But nothing about a visit. "Has His Holiness sent word regarding the purpose of his visit? Is this an official visit, or is he traveling through the city unofficially?" The page looked confused. The finer points of official and unofficial business obviously beyond his few years. "Your Grace, I... I do not know. Word only came that he had arrived and taken rooms at the Temple of Sanguis Astroism. He asked that word be sent to you of his arrival, and that you would no doubt wish to see him." Brance glanced out the window at the sun, still rising in the east. It was still about two hours before noon. "Very well, then. Have a messenger dispatched to the Temple with word that I will receive His Holiness at the palace for lunch, if that is convenient for him, and if he has had time to recover from his journey." The page bowed, opened the door, and hurried off across the courtyard. Brance took off the heavy falconer's glove and returned it to the rack by the door. He looked back at the majestic sea eagle in it's cage. It looked back at him, cocked it's head to the side, and gave a soft screech. Soon, my friend. Soon you shall soar over the waves once again. Brance left the aviary and closed the door behind him, headed for his morning court session. Cliff Diver? Better, but still not right. Fish... Hunter... Waves... Well, there was still time.

Brance Indirik (Duke of Libidizedd)

Roleplay from Mathurin Hossenfeffer

Message sent to everyone in the region Libidizedd

Mathurin was donning his crimson robes when word returned to him. The messenger had been intercepted by one of the young priests, keen to know the gossip, and now this man brought Brance's response to the prophet. "Lord Indirik will receive you for lunch at the palace, if that's convenient to your Holiness?" "Yes. That is indeed most convenient." Mathurin looked at the young priest, evaluating him. "See to it that the palace is told I shall be delighted to attend." The priest left, and Mathurin was left alone again. He spent a little time contemplating the coming audience with the Duke, then, strategy fixed, he turned his attention to the mundane business of the temple's accounts. The numbers occupied him for an hour or so, and then he neatly filed away the ledgers, before donning his cloak and leaving for the palace.

Mathurin Hossenfeffer (Marquess of Caiyun)

Roleplay from Mathurin Hossenfeffer

Message sent to everyone in the region Libidizedd

The priest, having returned from the palace, offered to escort Mathurin there immediately. "Have I need of a guide?" Mathurin asked. "This has the makings of a fine city, but it is not yet so large, surely, that one would struggle to find the palace?" "It is not that, your Holiness, but the people. Word has reached many that you have come, and they are eager to see you, to touch your robes. You might be delayed if a mob forms." "A mob? Too harsh a word, surely?" "Perhaps, your holiness. An, erm, overly devout group of vigorous faithful... might be a better term?" "Lead on, lead on."

Mathurin Hossenfeffer (Marquess of Caiyun)

Roleplay from Mathurin Hossenfeffer

Message sent to everyone in the region Libidizedd

And yet the young priest proved right. No sooner had they left the temple than a crown began to gather. At first they maintained a respectful distance, but then one man darted forward, grabbing the Prophet's sleeve and demanding a blessing. Mathurin cast his eyes over the crowd. While ostensibly benevolent, they could easily get carried away. He glanced in the direction of the ducal palace, not wishing to be late for his appointment with Lord Indirik, and yet also not wishing to spurn these worshippers. There was nothing else for it, he would have to talk with them, but he would also have to try and keep it brief. It wasn't his way, he liked to build a sermon slowly, layering parable on top of metaphor as he talked. Still, he did not intend to keep the Duke waiting, so for once he would have to be succinct. "People," he started, "the Stars above watch over all of Dwilight..."

Mathurin Hossenfeffer (Marquess of Caiyun)

Roleplay from Brance Indirik

Message sent to everyone in the region Libidizedd

As the last of the petitioners left the audience chamber, Duke Brance stood and exited the chamber through the rear, private entrance reserved for the Duke and his attendants. Waiting in the private chambers beyond was a Temple messenger. Brance addressed the messenger: "Do you bear a message from His Holiness?" The priest nodded. "Yes, Your Grace. His Holiness, Prophet Hossenfeffer, sends his greetings. He says that he will be most honored to attend a luncheon here in the palace today." "Excellent! Then you had best hurry back to the Temple and bring His Holiness here at once. Lunch will be served in an hour or so." The priest bowed in acknowledged before hurrying away. Brance summoned another page and dispatched him to the kitchens with instructions for the cooks. Another page raced off to carry the news to the chief steward of the palace. Yet a third page ran off for the Duke's attendants to bring suitable formal wear down to the private chambers. An hour later all the preparations were finished. The frantic hustle and bustle of preparations was over, and all was in readiness. The Duke, various palace officials, and a score or so of minor nobles were scattered around one of the lesser dining halls. The grand hall would have been too overwhelming for such a small gathering, and there had been no time to summon more nobility for a larger fest. This hall would suffice, though. The appointments were suitably formal, and the fires were stoked to ward off the still a-bit-too-chilly spring breezes coming off the ocean. As soon as the Prophet arrived, they could begin.

Brance Indirik (Duke of Libidizedd)

Roleplay from Mathurin Hossenfeffer

Message sent to everyone in the region Libidizedd

The young priest darted ahead of Mathurin and announced to the palace steward that the prophet was coming. The guards at the great doors watched with some interest as the tall, gaunt figure in the crimson robes, surrounded by Dwili slowly made his way towards them, taking a few steps then talking some more to the crowd, then taking a few more steps. They held the doors open ready, and with a final "And may the Stars shine favourably upon you all!" Mathurin was through, and into the palace.

Mathurin Hossenfeffer (Marquess of Caiyun)

Roleplay from Brance Indirik

Message sent to everyone in the region Libidizedd

The small crowd in the small formal dining hall had barely all arrived when one of the door guards stepped into the room and came to attention. He banged his polished spear on the floor three times. The crowd turned to the door and conversation in the hall came to a stop. The guard announced into the silence: "His Holiness, Prophet of Sanguis Astroism, Marquess of Caiyun, Sir Mathurin Hossenfeffer!" Mathurin entered through the door as the guard gave a formal dress salute, then bowed and retreated back out the door. Mathurin's deep crimson robes were a bold statement of his faith and rank, and quite a contrast to most of the other noble's sedate clothing. Brance came forward to formally welcome the Prophet, and gave a slight bow. "Greeting, Holiness, and welcome to Libidizedd. Please forgive the lack of official welcome, as we were unaware of your planned arrival. In any case, you are here, and lunch is ready. Shall we sit?" Mathurin nodded to the Duke. "Thank you, Duke Indirik. I agree, let's be seated." All the guests had been seated, and the servants were preparing to serve the meal when the guard at the door stepped in and banged his spear again. All eyes turned toward the door as the guard announced another arrival. "His Lordship, Count of Libiddo, Sergio Mozzoni!" The Count walked swiftly in to the room, aware of his slight tardiness to the event. Brance stood and gestured to one of the several empty seats that were always present for the use of last-minute arrivals. "Welcome, Count Mozzoni. It appears to be a day for surprises. I had not known of your planned arrival to the city either. Please, have a seat and join us for lunch." When they all were seated, Brance asked Mathurin to bless the meal. Mathurin obliged the Duke with a short but heartfelt blessing, and the servants started bringing out the feast. As the food was brought out, Brance tuned toward Mathurin. "So, Holiness, what brings you all the way out to Libidizedd? This is quite a long way from Caiyun."

Brance Indirik (Duke of Libidizedd)

Roleplay from Mathurin Hossenfeffer

Message sent to everyone in the region Libidizedd

"My Lord, you brought me to Libidizedd. Quite apart from the warm personal feelings I have for you, I have always considered you one of the stalwarts of the Faith. I supported your quest to seek out new lands and form a colony, and it has naturally been my intention, from the moment the first flag of Astrum was raised, to come and spend some time here, and show my support." Mathurin picked delicately at the food in front of him. Despite the short notice, the palace cooks had done a good job of creating a banquet; many fine dishes were arrayed on the long tables. "And it is also my calling to visit every temple raised in the name of the Bloodstars. As for the journey, it as indeed long and occasionally hard, but not something I fear. Either the Stars will preserve me, or I will perish in their service. I fear neither outcome."

Mathurin Hossenfeffer (Marquess of Caiyun)

Roleplay from Brance Indirik

Message sent to everyone in the region Libidizedd

"Your support for our colony effort was much appreciated, Holiness. Your advice, also, was most useful. In fact, the food we eat, the temple we worship in, even the walls that protect the city are woks of your doing. The gold provided by the church for the aid of Astrum were instrumental in building and protecting much that exists in the city of Libidizedd." "Perhaps when the meal is done, you would care for a tour of the city and the temple? It is unfortunate that you missed the Festival last week. It was quite the event, celebrated across the entire island." "In addition to the Temple here in Libidizedd, we have also erected temples in Libiddo and Dizeddo." Brance gestured toward Sergio. "I am sure that Count Mozzoni would be glad to escort you to Libiddo and show you the temple he has constructed there. Duke Stein also is already making plans for the construction of a temple in Eidulb as well." "All in all, the expansion of Sanguis Astroism here on the island is proceeding rapidly. Three new temples and several thousand followers, with additional expansion and followers easily attainable."

Brance Indirik (Duke of Libidizedd)

Roleplay from Mathurin Hossenfeffer

Message sent to everyone in the region Libidizedd

Mathurin smiled at Brance's words. "I would be delighted to take a walk around your fine, new city. I am filled with a great sense of joy and optimism just being here." He took a sip of wine from the goblet in front of him, and nodded his approval before continuing. "I came to Dwilight following dreams of the Stars, and in Donghaiwei I found others who had been called here. As you know, Morek was born out of that, and it has flourished and grown strong. But I always foresaw more to Sanguis Astroism than as the church of a single nation. Morek will always be the birthplace of The Faith, but it is also a stepping stone. Sanguis Astroism must spread its wings, we must bring its truth and understanding to all of Dwilight, and here in Astrum is the next great step of the path to that goal." "My admiration for the colonists who set off with so little, and have achieved so much, is even greater than it was before. If it proves possible for me to extend my stay here in Astrum, I shall certainly visit all the temples that have been built here."

Mathurin Hossenfeffer (Marquess of Caiyun)

Roleplay from Brance Indirik

Message sent to everyone in the region Libidizedd

As the meal came to a close, Brance asked Mathurin about his schedule for the next several days. Mathurin looked thoughtful for a few minutes before replying. "Actually, I must sail on the evening tide for Eidulb. I had not intended to leave so soon, but the schedule has changed. I will be attending Duke Aram's knighting ceremony tomorrow. After that I am not sure." "Well then, Holiness, I shall not keep you. The tides are early this time of year. You likely only have a few hours before your ship leaves the docks. So, shall we conclude with a toast?" Brance rose and held up his wine glass. The guests rose and followed suit. "Holiness, Dames and Sirs. To the future of Sanguis Astroism and Astrum. For the Stars!" Brance lifted his glass in salute and drank deeply. With the end of the meal, the guests slowly drifted away. Mathurin took his leave from the Duke, as did Count Sergio. Brance left the dining hall also, headed back to the audience chambers, and an afternoon session of court.

Brance Indirik (Duke of Libidizedd)